JP7298027B2 - Containers for biological samples and methods for their storage - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to containers for biological samples. In particular, the present invention enables the preservation, storage and transport of biological samples such as biopsies or surgically removed pieces of tissue, or fecal or biological fluid samples such as urine, ascites, pleural fluid. , in vitro diagnostic and research containers. The field of application of the invention is more specifically that of in vitro tests for diagnostics and research of pathology, histology, microbiology and molecular biology of biological samples. The container is of disposable type. The invention also relates to methods for stabilization and preservation of samples of human, animal or plant origin.

More specifically, biological samples are commonly used in pathological, histological, microbiological, or Taken for molecular analysis.

Biological samples for which the essential conditions for accurate and detailed morphological or molecular analysis avoid structural and molecular changes due to exposure of the sample to environmental stresses or due to degradation processes inherent in the sample itself. It is the high quality of Therefore, for storage immediately after sampling or as soon as possible, and for subsequent storage and transport of such biological samples under controlled conditions while maintaining and stabilizing the structural and molecular integrity of the samples. should provide a container and method for Such preservation and storage is generally accomplished by adding appropriate chemical reagents to the sample.

Traditionally, in cytology and histology, where cells and tissues are preserved and archived, samples are immersed in a single mixture of preservative/stabilizer reagents. Unfortunately, fluids suitable for this are often toxic or hazardous. For example, 10% neutral buffered formalin, the most commonly used preservative/stabilizer reagent in diagnostic histopathology, is a 4% formaldehyde solution in phosphate isotonic buffer. Since formaldehyde has been classified as a substance with high acute toxicity by ingestion, skin contact, and inhalation in diagnostic routines, it is clear that the greatest problem in the use of formaldehyde is the control of operator health risks. be. European Commission Regulation (EU) No. 605/2014 recommends that formaldehyde be treated with Carc. 1B and Muta. 2 (substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic).

Patent Document 1 discloses a receptacle containing a buffer solution, a perforated cap, a formalin-containing capsule sealed by a protective membrane, and a safety ring inserted between the base of the perforated cap and the capsule. Disposable containers for storage and transport of human tissue samples, including nuts, are described. A stop located on the threading of the ring nut is broken when the capsule is screwed onto the ring nut.

US Pat. No. 5,300,009 discloses a container including a body adapted to contain a biopsy specimen and a cap adapted to be screwed onto the body to tightly close it. The cap includes a receptacle for containing a storage solution closed at the bottom by a tearable membrane and a piercing member adapted to be pressed against and tear the membrane. The cap has a perforated bottom wall to allow storage solution to flow from the receptacle to the body as a result of tearing the membrane.

US Pat. No. 5,300,003 discloses a tissue sample container and lid. The lid has a sealing receptacle adapted to contain a preservative and a piercing element operable to break the seal.

In order to protect users from the risk of formaldehyde, commonly assigned US Pat. An extracorporeal diagnostic container is described having a lower receptacle and a connecting sleeve threadedly coupled to the upper receptacle as a butt joint thereof. The connecting sleeve has lateral partitions provided with a plurality of displacement openings and a central vent opening. The lower and upper receptacles abut the lateral partitions when the container is fully closed. If the upper receptacle is partially unscrewed from the lateral septa, the toxic liquid will enter the lower receptacle by gravity.

A tight sealing of the upper receptacle abutting the lateral partition is not guaranteed in the above-mentioned container according to DE 200 200 450 A1, due to the same simple butt joint. In addition, movement of the toxic liquid from the upper receptacle to the lower receptacle is accompanied by the ingress of a small amount of air from the outside and the resulting ingress of an equal volume of air to the outside that may have been mixed with vapor from the toxic liquid. It is thought that it may lead to leakage.

Further, unscrewing of the upper receptacle with respect to the connecting sleeve is limited by a stop lug provided on the internal threads of the upper portion of the connecting sleeve near the upper end of the upper portion of the connecting sleeve. Thus, it should be advised that the user does not proceed by forcing unscrews which could lead to further diffusion of the toxic liquid vapor. It is clear that the precautions provided by stop projections are not sufficient to reduce the risk of contamination.

EP 3328286 EP 3220832 U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0231604 International Publication No. 2019092638 pamphlet

The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks presented by the prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to address the risk of exposure, both by contact and by inhalation, to preservative/stabilizer reagents, usually containing toxic or hazardous substances, during the transfer and placement of biological samples in in vitro diagnostic containers. is to eliminate

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A primary object of the present invention is to provide a container that is easy to use and reliable in producing a tight seal of the upper receptacle against the lateral partitions of the connecting sleeve.

A further object of the present invention is to avoid the ingress of air from the outside when operating the device and the escape of air mixed with vapors resulting from toxic liquids or so-called.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a precise abutment for safe and positive unscrewing of the upper receptacle to the connecting sleeve to avoid further potential sources of diffusion of toxic liquid vapors.

Another important objective is that it is easy to use and leaves little possibility of error for those who work for the storage and transport of biological samples undergoing pathological, histological, microbiological and molecular testing. , to provide a method of using a container having the above objectives.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a complete, pre-filled container with reagents, which does not need to seal the toxic liquid with a protective membrane, thus several membranes on top. It presents no risk of obstructing the flow of preservative reagent from the receptacle to the lower receptacle.

Another object of the invention is to eliminate the risk resulting from possible backflow of liquid from the lower receptacle to the upper receptacle after closing the container.

Therefore, in its first embodiment, the present invention provides a container for biological samples, according to claims 1-10.

In its second aspect, the invention provides a method of storing a biological sample, according to claims 11 and 12.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become most apparent from the description of the container embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

1 is a general perspective view of a container according to the invention in the closed position; FIG. Figure 2 is a top plan view of a container according to the invention in the closed position; Figure 2 is a side view of a container according to the invention in the closed position; Figure 2 is a central longitudinal cross-section along line AA in a side view of a container according to the invention in the closed position; 5 is a partially enlarged view of the central longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. 4; FIG. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the lower receptacle of the container according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the lower receptacle of the container according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a side view of the lower receptacle of the container according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a central longitudinal cross-sectional view along line BB in a side view of the lower receptacle of a container according to the invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a connecting sleeve of a container according to the invention; Figure 3 is a top plan view of a connecting sleeve of a container according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a side view of a connecting sleeve of a container according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a central longitudinal cross-sectional view along line CC in a side view of a connecting sleeve of a container according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the upper receptacle of the container according to the invention; FIG. 4B is a bottom plan view of the upper receptacle of the container according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a side view of the upper receptacle of a container according to the invention; FIG. 4 is a central longitudinal cross-sectional view along line DD in a side view of the upper receptacle of a container according to the invention;

Reference is first made to Figures 1 to 4, which are respectively a general perspective view, a top plan view, a side view and a central longitudinal cross-section view of an in-vitro diagnostic container 1 according to the invention in the closed position. The center longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 is taken along line AA of FIG.

The container 1 consists of a lower receptacle 2 , an upper receptacle 3 and a connecting sleeve 4 serving as threaded coupling means for coupling the lower receptacle 2 to the upper receptacle 3 . The terms "lower" and "upper" refer to the standing position of the container in its handling, since when the container is fully closed it can assume any state position without any distinction.

The lower receptacle 2 contains a non-toxic liquid, such as a buffer, which is usually adapted to prevent dehydration of solid samples or to suspend semi-solid samples or to dilute liquid samples prior to activating the container. It is preferably intended to contain It should be clear that the lower receptacle 2 has no liquid if it is not required for the specific storage of the biological sample. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, which are respectively perspective, top plan, side and central longitudinal cross-sectional views of the lower receptacle 2 along line BB of the side views, the lower receptacle 2 is shown in FIG. The lower receptacle has a side wall 20 provided with external threads 21 and terminating in a circular mouth 22 .

14 to 17, which are respectively a perspective view, a bottom plan view, a side view and a central longitudinal cross-section along line DD of the side view of the upper receptacle 3 of the container 1 according to the invention. See up to The upper receptacle 3 is intended to contain a toxic liquid or so-called, usually a preservative/stabilizer mixture, prior to operation of the container. The upper receptacle 3 has a side wall 30 provided with external threads 31 and terminating in a circular mouth 32 .

10 to 13, which are respectively a perspective view, a top plan view, a side view and a central longitudinal cross section along the line CC of said side view of the connecting sleeve 4 of the container 1 according to the invention. See up to The connecting sleeve 4 is longitudinally engaged with external threads 21 and 31 of the lower and upper receptacles 2 and 3, respectively, as a butt joint of the same receptacles, as shown in FIG. The connecting sleeve 4 has transverse partitions 40 against which the lower receptacle 2 and the upper receptacle 3 abut their respective circular mouths 22, 32 on both sides when the container 1 is fully closed.

It can therefore be seen that the threaded connection means between the lower receptacle 2 and the upper receptacle 3 according to the invention consist of a single connecting sleeve 4 comprising a lower part 41 and an upper part 42 .

The lower part 41 has side walls 43 with internal threads 44 that engage the external threads 21 of the lower receptacle 2 . The upper part 42 has a side wall 45 with an internal thread strip 48 that engages the external threads 31 of the upper receptacle 3 .

A transverse bulkhead 40 separates the lower part 41 of the connecting sleeve 4 from its upper part 42 and has a plurality of displacement openings 51 in the form of through holes provided in a peripheral region 52 of the transverse bulkhead 40 and a chimney element 65 . A central vent opening 55 is provided.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 5, the upper side wall 45 of the upper portion 42 of the connecting sleeve 4 has a first internal smooth strip 47 and an internally threaded strip as described above with threads 70 for engaging the external threads 31 of the upper receptacle 3 . 48 and a second inner surface smooth band 49 near the free end 46 of the upper portion 42 .

According to the invention, a tight sealing of the upper receptacle 3 against the transverse bulkhead 40 is produced thanks to a specific structure made in the joint of the upper receptacle 3 with the transverse bulkhead 40 .

In particular, in the plane of the lateral partition 40 of the connecting sleeve 4 facing the upper receptacle 3 , a first annular projection 53 is provided which projects perpendicularly into the upper part 42 of the connecting sleeve 4 . and delimits the peripheral region 52 of the lateral bulkhead 40 on the inside. Said first annular projection 53 is adapted to create a tight seal with the circular mouth 32 of the upper receptacle 3 when the upper receptacle is screwed completely into the upper part 42 of the connecting sleeve 4 .

the coaxially inner second annular projection 57 of the first annular projection 53 protrudes perpendicularly from the transverse partition 40 into the upper part 42 of the connecting sleeve 4 in order to form the first groove 58; is preferred. Advantageously, the first annular projection 53 and the second annular projection 57 are upwardly tapered to create a guide for the circular mouth 32 of the upper receptacle 3 . In fact, the first groove 58 is adapted to receive this circular mouth 32 and produce a better seal than a single first annular projection 53 alone. In this way, the toxic liquid LF contained in the upper receptacle 3 is prevented from escaping from the lateral bulkhead 40 when the upper receptacle is fully screwed against the lateral bulkhead 40 .

Always on the face of the transverse bulkhead 40 facing the receptacle 3, project perpendicularly into the upper part 42 of the connecting sleeve 4 and coaxially with the front first annular projection 53 and the second annular projection 57. Advantageously, there is a third annular projection 59 which is in contact with. Said third annular projection 59 creates a second groove 64 with the first inner surface smooth band 47 of the connecting sleeve 4 and leaks out of the receptacle 3 through the connection of the first groove 58 with the circular mouth 32 . Any toxic liquid that may have been spilled is prevented from being distributed between the upper portion 42 of the connecting sleeve 4 and the outer surface of the upper receptacle 3 . This is achieved with a specific structure around the circular mouth 32 of the upper receptacle 3 .

In this particular construction, the upper receptacle 3 is coaxial with the circular mouth 32 and is intended to be in transverse sealing contact with the transverse base 61 and the first inner smooth band 47 of the upper side wall 45 of the connecting sleeve 4 . It includes a hollow cylindrical element 60 having a first longitudinal annular wall 62 with a wall.

In particular, the first longitudinal annular wall 62 of the hollow cylindrical element 60 of the upper receptacle 3 is formed by a third annular protrusion 59 together with the first inner smooth band 47 of the upper sidewall 45 of the connecting sleeve 4 . 2 is inserted into the groove 64 .

In order to create a further labyrinth seal between the upper receptacle 3 and the transverse bulkhead 40 , the hollow cylindrical element 60 of the upper receptacle 3 is coaxial with the circular mouth 32 and in the peripheral region 52 of the transverse bulkhead 40 of the connecting sleeve 4 . It includes a second longitudinal annular wall 72 which is intended to come into end contact with the .

This second longitudinal annular wall 72 , coaxial with the first longitudinal annular wall 62 , ensures that, in the event of leakage from the upper receptacle 3 , if any, the toxic liquid LF will pass through the first wall of the upper sidewall 45 of the connecting sleeve 4 . Reaching the inner smooth band 47 is prevented.

The upper side wall 45 of the connecting sleeve 4 has a free end 46 with an at least partially inwardly projecting annular rim 54 . Said annular rim 54 , which is preferably complete, has an inner diameter capable of creating an undercut within the second inner smooth band 49 within the upper portion 42 of the connecting sleeve 4 . The function of annular rim 54 will be clarified below. At the annular rim 54 the sleeve 4 has an outwardly projecting bulge 69 in its free end 46 .

The upper receptacle 3 preferably has a cylindrical body 300 containing the toxic liquid LF with a diameter considerably smaller than the diameter of the upper part 42 of the connecting sleeve 4 . This choice determines that the external thread 31 of the connecting sleeve 4 which engages the thread 70 of the internal thread band 48 has a considerable diameter compared to the diameter of the cylindrical body 300 of the upper receptacle 3 . As a result, the external thread 31 of the upper receptacle 3 is sufficiently flexible to allow forced introduction of the upper receptacle 3 in the upper portion 42 of the connecting sleeve 4 .

Furthermore, on the cylindrical body 300 there is a radial ring 63 with an outer diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the thread 31 and larger than the inner diameter of the annular rim 54 of the connecting sleeve 4 .

The upper receptacle 3 has a closed base 33 from which a stem 56 depends inwardly. The stem 56 can fit tightly into the central vent opening 55 of the chimney element 65 when the upper receptacle 3 is fully screwed in, allowing the upper receptacle 3 to rotate partially up to said annular rim 54. When removed, it can create an airway.

On the side of the transverse bulkhead 40 opposite the face of the chimney element 65 , the transverse bulkhead 40 has a recess 66 into which the central vent opening 55 of the chimney element 65 merges through a narrow port 67 .

The trunk 56 of the upper receptacle 3 , which can be moved within the central vent opening 55 of the chimney element 65 in screwing and unscrewing the upper receptacle 3 within the upper portion 42 of the connecting sleeve 4 , is the diameter of the remainder of the trunk 56 . It has an end tube 68 of relatively reduced diameter.

When the upper receptacle 3 is fully threaded into the upper portion 42 of the connecting sleeve 4, the reduced diameter end tube 68 ensures a tight seal with the narrow port 67 of the central vent opening 55 within the recess 66. is designed to

Distal tube 68 of stem 56 provides an air passage when upper receptacle 3 is unscrewed within upper portion 42 of connecting sleeve 4 up to annular rim 54 .

The upper receptacle 3 has two opposing outer radial fins 73 to facilitate gripping and rotation of the upper receptacle 3 . It has a prismatic structure with polygonal faces with rounded corners 74 obtained on the body 300 of the upper receptacle 3 . An arrow or word is shown here at 75 to indicate the respective directions of opening and closing the upper receptacle 3 . Naturally, the direction of opening is most important for safety purposes.

A protrusion 76 is provided on the wall 20 of the lower receptacle 2 to facilitate its unscrewing and screwing.

The invention also provides a method of storing a biological sample of human, animal or plant origin by using the in vitro diagnostic container described so far. Starting with a fully closed and sealed container already provided with non-toxic liquid LS and toxic liquid LF in receptacles 2 and 3, respectively, the method begins with lower receptacle 2 containing non-toxic liquid LS. It involves unscrewing completely from the connecting sleeve 4, introducing the sample directly into the lower receptacle 2, and screwing the lower receptacle 2 onto the connecting sleeve 4 so as to obtain a tight seal. These steps are already given in the method disclosed in US Pat. According to the invention, following the steps listed above is the step of unscrewing the upper receptacle 3 until the radial ring 63 of the upper receptacle contacts the annular rim 54 of the connecting sleeve 4 . In this way, the toxic liquid LF is poured from the container by gravity 3, where it is located at a height lower than the height of the chimney element 65 up to the peripheral area 52 of the lateral bulkhead 40, and in the peripheral area. , there are a plurality of transfer openings 51 . Therefore, the toxic liquid LF is displaced through the transfer opening by virtue of the air contained in the lower receptacle 2 above the non-toxic liquid with the immersed sample passing through the vent 55 of the chimney element 65 into the upper receptacle 3. Pass through part 51 . A mixture of air and vapors of the toxic liquid LF would be able to reach the hollow cylindrical element 60 but in sealing lateral contact with the first inner surface smooth band 47 of the upper side wall 45 of the connecting sleeve 4 . It cannot be lifted along the first longitudinal annular wall 62 . If the mixture of air and vapors of the toxic liquid LF reaches the threaded joint area between the thread 31 of the upper receptacle 3 and the internal thread strip 48 of the connecting sleeve 4, the radial ring 63 of the upper receptacle 3 will close the same connection. It is conceivable that the mixture of air and vapor of the toxic liquid LF cannot continue towards the outside of the connecting sleeve 4 because it closes the passage by abutting the annular rim 54 of the sleeve 4 from the inside.

After complete movement of the toxic liquid LF into the lower receptacle 2 has taken place, the upper receptacle 3 is screwed back against the lateral bulkhead 40 at the circular mouth 32 .

In this way, before actuation of the container 1, the toxic liquid LF is delimited by the upper receptacle 3 and the transverse partition 40 against which the upper receptacle 3 abuts and is screwed completely into the upper part 42 of the connecting sleeve 4. Confined within a defined space. During operation, by unscrewing the upper receptacle 3 , there is no communication between the inside and outside of the container 1 and after operation the container 1 screws the upper receptacle against the lateral partition 40 of the connecting sleeve 4 . will close it again.

In the reclosed situation, the positions of the parts existing before the activation of the container are restored. That is, the upper receptacle 3 is again sealed against the lower receptacle 2 because the circular mouth 32 of the lower receptacle is sealed against the transverse partition 40 of the connecting sleeve 4; the central vent opening of the chimney element 65; 55 is closed by a trunk 56; the hollow cylindrical element 60 of the upper receptacle 3, mainly by virtue of its first annular wall 62, closes the peripheral area 52 of the lateral bulkhead 40 in which the displacement opening 51 is located. In this way, it is conceivable that the contents of the lower receptacle 2 will not flow back into the upper receptacle 3 if the container according to the invention is tilted or overturned.

It should be appreciated that the primary objective of the present invention, namely to create a container for biological samples, which allows for tight sealing of toxic liquids or so-called, has been achieved. The individual components of the container are made of any suitable material that is impermeable to liquids and gases, preferably plastic materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or combinations thereof. obtain.

1 container 2 lower receptacle 3 upper receptacle, gravity 4 connecting sleeve 20 side wall (of lower receptacle) 21 male thread (of lower receptacle), first male thread 22 circular mouth (of lower receptacle), first circular mouth 30 ( Side wall of upper receptacle 31 External thread (of upper receptacle), thread, second external thread 32 Circular mouth (of upper receptacle), second circular mouth 33 Closing base (trunk) 40 Lateral bulkhead 41 (connection Bottom of sleeve 42 Top (of connecting sleeve) 43 Side wall (bottom of connecting sleeve) 44 Internal thread (of connecting sleeve), first internal thread 45 Side wall (top of connecting sleeve), top side wall 46 (top of connecting sleeve) ) free end 47 (of the upper side wall of the connecting sleeve) first internal smooth band 48 (on the upper side wall of the connecting sleeve) internal thread band, internal thread section 49 second internal smooth (on the upper side wall of the connecting sleeve) Band, second internal smooth area 51 moving opening 52 peripheral area (of the transverse bulkhead) 53 first annular protrusion (on top of connecting sleeve) 54 annular rim (on free end of top of connecting sleeve) 55 ( central vent opening 56 stem 57 second annular projection (above the connecting sleeve), second longitudinal annular projection 58 first groove 59 (above the connecting sleeve) third annular projection 60 hollow cylindrical element 61 transverse base 62 first longitudinal annular wall (of upper receptacle), first annular longitudinal wall 63 radial ring (of cylindrical body) 64 second groove 65 chimney element (of transverse bulkhead) 66 recess 67 narrow port 68 end pipe (trunk) 69 expansion (at upper free end of connecting sleeve) 70 thread (of internal thread strip) 72 (hollow cylindrical element) Second annular wall 73 Outer radial fins (of upper receptacle) 74 Rounded corners (of upper receptacle) 75 Arrows or words (indicating respective directions of opening and closing) 76 Protrusion (of side wall of lower receptacle) 300 Cylindrical Body A-A, B-B, C-C, D-D Line LF Toxic liquid LS Non-toxic liquid

Claims (11)

A container (1) for a biological sample, comprising
a lower receptacle (2) having a side wall (20) provided with a first external thread (21) and terminating in a first circular mouth (22);
a side wall (30) provided with a second external thread (31) and terminating at one end with a second circular mouth (32) and the other end with a closure base (33); an upper receptacle (3) designed to contain a toxic liquid (LF) inside before activating said container (1);
a connecting sleeve (4);
including
Said connecting sleeve (4) is
- a lower part (41) having a lower side wall (43) with a first internal thread (44) engaging said first external thread (21) of said lower receptacle (2);
- a female threaded section with a thread (70) terminating in a free end (46) and engaging a first internal smooth band (47), said second male thread (31) of said upper receptacle (3) ( 48) and an upper sidewall (45) including a second inner surface smooth area (49) near said free end (46);
- a central vent opening (55) separating said lower part (41) from said upper part (42) and made in a chimney element (65), and for the movement of said toxic liquid (LF), said central a lateral bulkhead (40) provided with a plurality of displacement openings (51) made in the peripheral area (52) relative to the vent openings (55);
including
- in said connecting sleeve (4),
- said peripheral area (52) of said transverse bulkhead (40) is bounded on the inside by a first annular projection (53) projecting perpendicularly into said upper part (42) of said connecting sleeve (4); defined and when said upper receptacle (3) is fully screwed into said upper part (42) of said connecting sleeve (4), said first annular projection (53) extends into said second circular mouth. adapted to create a seal with (32),
- an at least partially present annular rim (54) projects inwardly near said free end (46) of said upper side wall (45), said annular rim (54) cutting an undercut into said connecting sleeve ( 4) having an inner diameter adapted to be created within said second inner surface smooth area (49) of said upper portion (42);
- said upper receptacle (3) is coaxial with said second circular mouth (32),
- a radial ring (63) having an outer diameter greater than said inner diameter of said annular rim (54) of said connecting sleeve (4) in said second inner surface smooth area (49) near said free end (46); )and,
- a stem (56) tapering from said closure base (33) of said upper receptacle (3) towards said lower receptacle ( 2 ), said It can fit tightly into said central vent opening (55) of transverse bulkhead (40) and said upper receptacle (3) is partially unscrewed up to said annular rim (54). When the upper receptacle (3) is unscrewed, the upper receptacle (3) is lifted to a position where the tight-fitting central vent opening (55) functions as an air passage, which a stem (56) capable of creating an air passage by
container (1). Said upper receptacle (3) comprises, coaxially with said second circular mouth (32), a lateral base (61) and said first inner surface smoothing of said upper side wall (45) of said connecting sleeve (4). 2. A container (1) according to claim 1, comprising a hollow cylindrical element (60) having a band (47) and a first annular longitudinal wall (62) intended to be sealed in lateral contact. ). for creating a first groove (58) in which a second annular projection (57) is adapted to sealingly receive said second circular mouth (32) of said upper receptacle (3); 2. A container (1) according to claim 1, which projects from said transverse partition (40) perpendicularly into said upper part (42) of said connecting sleeve (4). A third annular projection (59) forms a second groove (64) for sealingly receiving a first longitudinal annular wall (62) of said hollow cylindrical element (60) of said upper receptacle (3). 3. A container (1) according to claim 2, which projects from said lateral partition (40) at right angles into said upper part (42) of said connecting sleeve (4) to create a . Said upper receptacle (3) coaxially with said second circular mouth (32), in its hollow cylindrical element (60), said peripheral region of said lateral bulkhead (40) of said connecting sleeve (4). 3. Container (1) according to claim 2, comprising a second longitudinal annular wall (72) in end contact with (52). Said upper receptacles (3) are both made flexible to allow forcible introduction of said upper receptacle (3) within said upper part (42) of said connecting sleeve (4). 2. A container (1) according to claim 1, comprising said radial ring (63) being threaded and said second external thread (31). Said transverse bulkhead (40) has a recess (66) extending on its face opposite to the face of said chimney element (65) into said recess (66) into said chimney element (66). A container (1) according to claim 1, wherein said central vent openings (55) of elements (65) meet in a narrow port (67). said stem (56) of said upper receptacle (3) said chimney element (65) in screwing and unscrewing said upper receptacle (3) within said upper part (42) of said connecting sleeve (4); ), the stem (56) of the upper receptacle (3) has an end tube of reduced diameter relative to the diameter of the remainder of the stem (56). (68), said end tube (68) comprising:
- when said upper receptacle (3) is fully screwed into said upper part (42) of said connecting sleeve (4) said narrow port (55) of said central vent opening (55) in said recess (66) 67) and - when said upper receptacle (3) is unscrewed in said upper part (42) of said connecting sleeve (4) up to said annular rim (54), said upper receptacle (3) is unscrewed to raise the upper receptacle (3) to a position where the tight-fitting central vent opening (55) acts as a vent channel, thereby providing a vent channel. A container (1) according to claim 7, capable of. A container (1) according to claim 1, wherein said upper receptacle (3) has two opposite outer radial fins (73) facilitating gripping of said upper receptacle (3) for rotation thereof. ). Container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting sleeve (4) has an outwardly projecting expansion (69) in its free end (46). A method for storage of a biological sample by actuating the container according to claim 1, comprising the steps of unscrewing the lower receptacle (2) completely from the connecting sleeve (4) and directly into said lower receptacle (2) and re-threading said lower receptacle (2) onto said connecting sleeve (4) to obtain a tight seal,
Next further steps:
- moving said toxic liquid (LF) into said lower receptacle (2) through said plurality of transfer openings (51) in said peripheral area (52) of said lateral bulkhead (40) and said lower receptacle (2); ) of said chimney element (65) through said central vent opening (55) of said chimney element (65), connecting said upper receptacle (3) with said connecting sleeve (4 ) into contact with said annular rim (54),
characterized by re-screwing the upper receptacle (3) tightly up to the stop of the second circular mouth (32) on the transverse bulkhead (40),
resulting in,
- before activating said container (1), said toxic liquid (LF) is confined within the space delimited by said upper receptacle (3) and said lateral bulkhead (40), said upper receptacle (3) is screwed completely into said upper part (42) of said connecting sleeve (4) against said transverse bulkhead;
- during operation of said container (1) there is no communication of the interior of said container (1) with the outside when unscrewing said upper receptacle (3);
- after activating said container (1), said container (1) connects said upper receptacle (3) without any communication between said lower receptacle (2) and said upper receptacle (3); reclosed by screwing against said transverse partition (40) of the sleeve (4),
Method.

Images